“Esoteric philosophy admits neither good nor evil per se, as existing independently in nature. The cause for both is found, as regards the Kosmos, in the necessity of contraries or contrasts, and with respect to man, in his human nature, his ignorance and passions. There is no devil or the utterly depraved, as there are no Angels absolutely perfect, though there may be spirits of Light and of Darkness; thus LUCIFER – the spirit of Intellectual Enlightenment and Freedom of Thought – is metaphorically the guiding beacon, which helps man to find his way through the rocks and sandbanks of Life, for Lucifer is the LOGOS in his highest, and the “Adversary” in his lowest aspect – both of which are reflected in our Ego.” (Vol. 2, p. 162)

Concerning cults. What signs are there when one is part of a cult? I picked some out that are happen often these days when people are spiritually/magically involved into certain groups or orders. Its important to check these. And also they are more or less manifest in the behavior of the ‘leader’. Especially manipulation and using NLP techniques, induction from certain words (repeating them, promise things etc), that are used to justify the means. Non transparent way of dealing with costs, requirements what need to be bought in order to progress etc. Its very important to maintain critical thinking and using ones own intuition and common sense.
“How Cults Manipulate People
Many people now agree that cults frequently psychologically manipulate their membership to ensure conformity and control. Steve Hassan’s excellent book “Combating Cult Mind-Control” is a great starting point. The following points come from numerous sources. Not all of these are found in every cult but enough of them are found in most cults to make them very frightening places that inflict deep psychological damage on their membership.
1. Submission to Leadership – Leaders tend to be absolute, prophets of God, God Himself, specially anointed apostle, or just a strong, controlling, manipulative person who demands submission even if changes or conflicts occur in ideology or behavior.
2. Polarized World View – The group is all that is good; everything outside is bad.
3. Feeling Over Thought – Emotions, intuitions, mystical insights are promoted as more important than rational conclusions.
4. Manipulation of Feelings – Techniques designed to stimulate emotions, usually employing group dynamics to influence responses.
5. Denigration of Critical Thinking – Can go so far as to characterize any independent thought as selfish, and rational use of intellect as evil.
6. Salvation or Fulfillment can only be realized in the group.
7. End Justifies the Means – Any action or behavior is justifiable as long as it furthers the group’s goals. The group (leader) becomes absolute truth and is above all man-made laws.
8. Group Over Individual – The group’s concerns supersede an individual’s goals, needs, aspirations, and concerns. Conformity is the key.
9. Warnings of severe or supernatural sanctions for defection or even criticism of the cult – This can go so far as to apply to negative or critical thought about the group or its leaders.”ItsIt
(Source: https://www.aibi.ph/articles/cultconv.htm)

Before one can become a magician he must learn to control his own mind; for mind is the substance with which the magician acts, and the power to control it is the beginning of magic.
– Franz Hartmann-

And thus in his actions a magician can be detected since he/she acts out of a mind that is under control, a disciplined mind. Present, focussed, vigilant, and having the overview. Many people tend to talk/ write about their realizations. Actually that is not necessary, its reflected in what and how one acts. On the fruits thy will know the tree.

On Page 40 from “The Law is for all” (New Falcon publications 1996 edited by Louis Wilkinson and Hymenaeus Beta) Comment on verse 37 chapter I from Liber Al Crowley wrote:

“To the beginner I would like to offer this program:

Furnish your mind as completely as possible with the knowledge of how to inspect and to control it.